I am 25, and am wondering at the best retirement fund to set up. How much money should I put into it? At what age will I be able to touch my money?

I am considering putting 10K into an index fund (S&P 500) and keeping it there until I turn 60 or so. What about taxes though? I know that an IRA will tax me now rather than later, but does that make it worth it?I have read (not just on this site) that index funds are the best funds there are.

Or is any type of fund not such a good idea?

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